Happy 2020!!! Guess who’s back…

26 May Happy 2020!!! Guess who’s back…

We are now in a new decade. Looking at the year seems so surreal that we have actually reached the year 2020.  We have gone through so much since the start of the year with Kobe Bryant’s sudden death, Covid-19 and the pandemic. Sheltering in place has forced a lot of changes world-wide.  Many people have loss jobs, families are facing financial burdens, many people are dying as a result of Covid-19 and the world has stopped while everyone deals with the pandemic. The pandemic has created hysteria with preparation and sustainability of the supplies during the worldwide shutdown. We’ve seen toilet paper, Clorox and sanitizer shortages. Job loss or furloughs. With the uncertainty of the economy, the community has seen a rise in depression and anxiety. In most cases, the pandemic has helped to exacerbate existing illnesses and in other cases it has created fear/anxiety. As a therapist, I’ve seen an influx of anxiety cases with new patients and acute stress in my existing patients. We’ve discussed ways to decrease stress and cope with current conditions. 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month & Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month.  So, as you all know I took 1.5 years off from blogging/posting. What most were unaware of is the fact that I took the time to dedicate to starting a family. It was the most selfish thing I have ever done and I have no regrets. Remember as I have stated in the past, “Self-care is the best care.” Each time there would be a topic I wanted to discuss, the next thought would be about my priorities. I decided to set boundaries as a form of protection for myself and the baby. Mama bear instincts kicked in full force. There would be days I would dig into myself to ensure I was a whole person for both of us. Who knew motherhood would require so much out of you. There have been so many lessons learned along the way, so much that it is often hard to keep up. 

So how does one survive year one of motherhood? There are a few things that help new mothers survive. The top of the list would be a strong support system.  Support can present in many forms. Some forms that I have found beneficial are: family/friend support in the form of cooked meals, phone calls, chores, mommy nap times, baby advice and emotional support. The trials of motherhood will call you to rely on a village/tribe of individuals who provides strong support when called or impromptu. There is so much to figure out in the first month that one may find it difficult to keep up. Mommy will need to establish a somewhat daily routine consisting of self-care practices to help them maintain their serenity. Self-care can be in the form of prayer, meditation, stretching, exercising, walking, music and plenty of rest. It is important to be intentional about your energy and space as you learn and accept your new life role. Motherhood has provided a positive change and motivation to improve self. It has restored youthfulness and vivacity from years past. I look forward to sharing more about my journey into motherhood as well as other interesting topics.